I'm interested in this when they come out with the 1kwh/kg batteries that are supposed to be in testing. Seems like a great option to convert a pickup truck given its ability to handle more weight and have more space in the engine bay,under the bed, etc. Removing the engine and accessories you could swap in a 250kwh battery at a similar weight. Swap the transmission for an electric motor, and it's pretty appealing.
Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
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Re: Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
#12I'm thinking Lotus Super 7 clone, but no idea where the batteries would go...
Re: Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
#13I have come across several businesses that do conversions. Batteries are by far the biggest issue. ICE cars can't easily accommodate sufficient batteries. All the conversions I have looked at connect the electric motor to the gearbox with rear wheel drive cars. The range is only 200-300 mile at best. Getting cars roadworthy and certified after a conversion is a substantial exercise. Unless you are converting a rust f…
Because I enjoy the torque of an electric motor, but not the weight of a battery, I have a dream of making a simple series hybrid from a classic car, with a motorcycle (sized) engine and a battery and a high torque electric motor.
Last I noticed, a non-plugin hybrid only needs 1% of the battery capacity. You could have a gas engine half the size or less, and you don't need a transmission either.
Unfortunately when I look at the available hardware for EV conversions, I get the impression that a battery pack has to be a certain size to get fast enough discharge and high enough voltage for a powerful motor like a Tesla's.
But imagine a classic rear-engine Porsche with, say, a boxer twin (from a BMW motorcycle, or I think there are twins made from/like half of a VW four used for small aircraft) and an EV motor that actually improved the weight distribution from stock.
Re: Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
#14I have come across several businesses that do conversions. Batteries are by far the biggest issue. ICE cars can't easily accommodate sufficient batteries. All the conversions I have looked at connect the electric motor to the gearbox with rear wheel drive cars. The range is only 200-300 mile at best. Getting cars roadworthy and certified after a conversion is a substantial exercise. Unless you are converting a rust f…
Why does it need to be "certified?"
You have an existing car with an existing title and registration. You replace the motor and drive off. What's the problem?
Then again, I live in MN, which doesn't have vehicle inspections.
Re: Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
#15The Venn diagram of EV conversion culture and the redneck hotrod community is almost nothing. I doubt these will ever be a hot commodity. It's more fun to pull a motor and battery out of a junkyard Model S or 3 and swap it into something.
Re: Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?
#16I have come across several businesses that do conversions. Batteries are by far the biggest issue. ICE cars can't easily accommodate sufficient batteries. All the conversions I have looked at connect the electric motor to the gearbox with rear wheel drive cars. The range is only 200-300 mile at best. Getting cars roadworthy and certified after a conversion is a substantial exercise. Unless you are converting a rust f…
Why does it need to be "certified?" You have an existing car with an existing title and registration. You replace the motor and drive off. What's the problem? Then again, I live in MN, which doesn't have vehicle inspections.
In Oz, the vehicle standards regulations are over 500 pages. You have to have an engineer's certificate after any modifications in order to re-register the vehicle. That also applies to changing the ICE for a different one, etc. Technically even changing the ECU program is verboten. But people still do it and plug in the old ECU to pass inspections.